Poland Work Permit

Work abroad sounds like an adventure to many people. However, jobs in Poland involve more than the Poland work permit and just the obvious Poland CV with Poland cover letter writing and translation – they require detailed preparation. You will face problems that in all probability did not even cross your mind when you become interested in a job search in Poland.

Do not take too lightly the influence a Poland work permit can have on the result of your adventure! For example, you will experience the unfamiliar immigration rules and practices, strange job application procedures, bizarre job selection trends and weird management culture.

Most visits to Poland are trouble-free but you should be aware of the risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers like restaurants, hotels, clubs and shopping areas.
In recent years, the Polish authorities have carried out a number of investigations and operations against terrorist networks.
You should exercise a high level of security awareness and monitor local news broadcasts and consular messages. Ensure that your travel documents and visas are current, valid and secured in a safe place. Carry a photocopy of your travel documents in lieu of the originals. Maintain a low profile, vary times and routes of travel, and exercise caution while driving. Making local contacts quickly and seeking support from other expatriates will greatly increase your comfort and safety.

Passport and Poland Work Permit

Passport

All nationals except EU nationals holding a valid national ID card require a passport valid for at least three months beyond the length of stay. Some EU nationals may be required to present a valid passport in addition to a national ID card.

Poland Work Permit

Since May 2004, Poland has been opened for EU nationals concerning study or residence purposes. However, job mobility between the “old” 15 EU Member States and the 10 “new” EU Member States still faces some restrictions.

EU citizens are free to move and work in Poland with a visa or work permit. However, they must apply for a residence permit at their local police station within three months of entry and provide proof of employment or income.

Receiving a Poland work permit for foreigners, those who are not EU citizens is much more difficult. Non-EU nationals need a Poland work permit and working visa in advance. In practice, Poland only issues work permits to highly qualified personnel, executives, researchers, trainees and workers in fields where there is a labour shortage in Poland.

In most cases, job seekers from overseas must find an employer willing to apply to the immigration authorities on their behalf well in advance of the job’s starting date, while they are still in their home country. Technically, you are not allowed to enter Poland to look for work.

Most employers, who are subject to heavy fines if they hire illegally, will not offer a job to a foreigner who does not possess a valid Poland work permit.

The employer must apply for the work permit with proof that no Polish or European Union citizen is able to do the job. Normally, the foreign worker will receive a Poland work permit valid only for one employer and for one year. Such a permit needs to be renewed each year.

Contact the Embassy of Poland in your home country for further information about Poland work permit